Hikvision Dome Camera Vandal Proof Test

What makes a vandal-proof camera vandal-proof?When a CCTV camera is installed in a location where physical access to the camera is possible, precautions should be taken to protect the camera from vandalism or theft. One factor to consider when selecting a camera is how vandal-proof the camera is. But what exactly does it mean when a surveillance camera is rated as vandal-proof?

First of all, the camera itself should be difficult to open or re-adjust. This is accomplished through the use of recessed security screws that require a special tool included with the camera. A standard screwdriver cannot be used to open vandal-proof cameras.

The second aspect of making a camera resistant to vandalism is to build the camera with materials that make it highly resistant to impact, such as a swing from a hammer or a baseball bat. How do you know how much of a blow a camera can withstand? There is an international standard for measuring impact (IEC 62262, the equivalent of the EU standard EN 62262) and a camera manufacturer can submit products to be impact ranked by a certified testing facility. The testing is based on the type of hammer, mass of the hammer and the resulting impact energy (measure in joules). The ratings range from IK1 (the weakest) to IK10 (the strongest). The charts at the bottom of this article show the details involved in providing an impact rating. Please note that the Hikvision Dome cameras we install have a certified IK10 rating.

What is the dome made of?
The dome part of the camera is actually made from a tough plastic, which can flex and absorb the force from impact. It is often assumed that this area is made from glass.

What are the IK ratings?

Code

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

Impact Energy

Non protected

0.150 joules

20.00 joules

10.00 joules

5.00 joules

2.00 joules

1.00 joules

0.700 joules

0.500 joules

0.350 joules

0.200 joules

Resistant against an impact from an object of:

.

0.44 lbs thrown from a distance of 2.9″

0.44 lbs thrown from a distance of 3.9″

0.44 lbs thrown from a distance of 6.9″

0.44 lbs thrown from a distance of 9.8″

0.44 lbs thrown from a distance of 13.8″

1.1 lbs thrown from a distance of 7.9″

1.1 lbs thrown from a distance of 15.7″

3.8 lbs thrown from a distance of 11.6″

11 lbs thrown from a distance of 7.9″

11 lbs thrown from a distance of 15.7″

How did the test go?In our non scientific ‘real life’ testing, we used a 20z Claw Hammer and an engineering brick (House Brick). Both items were tested from drop heights of around 40cm to 1m.

What were the results?The camera survived the hammer test pretty well, but didn’t do so good with the brick. In a ‘real life’ scenario, we suspect someone who wanted to vandalise your cameras would be armed with something like a hammer rather than a brick in any case.